New concession stand dedication set for July 11, 6 p.m. at Vet's Field
Submitted by Dan Pierce
Turkey and dressing sandwiches... I know, it makes my mouth water just thinking about them, too. On numerous occasions my grandma, Betty Schmitt, whipped up a roaster or two of turkey and dressing sandwiches and donated it to a youth or adult baseball/softball tournament held at one of the ball fields in Guttenberg.
For just a couple dollars, you filled your belly and probably still bought another because they were so good. If needed, Grandma was more than willing to sit under an umbrella at the entrance to the field and collect admission money all weekend long. She never accepted payment for her time, because she enjoyed watching the games, no matter who was playing. She was a 'giver' and supporter of many organizations in the community.
The Guttenberg Recreation Board had needed to upgrade its concession stand at Vet's Field for years and Grandma's passing sparked an idea for our family to give back a small piece of what she stood for and the many fond memories she had watching ball games of friends and family over the years.
Although Grandma passed several years ago, the new concession stand at Vet's Field is now up and running this season. The majority of the materials used to build the concession stand were from local businesses including Meuser Lumber for building materials and Kann Manufacturing with stainless steel counters. West Union Trenching bored in the water line for city water, free of charge. Jeff Olson at the Dam Bar donated the stainless steel 4-part sink. Meuser Lumber donated three sets of wall cabinets. The electrical labor was donated by Paul Anderegg of Anderegg Electric. Monetary donations came from the Betty Schmitt family, River Park Cruisers, Aureon, Kwik Star, and more. Donated labor came from skilled family and friends including painting by Donna Hinzman and construction by Jason Hefel, Thomas Vogt, and T.J. Pierce.
This project took a group of 'givers' just like my grandma to make it happen. If you see something in the community that needs an upgrade or you would like to see something change, don't sit back and complain about it or wait for somebody else to step up. Become a 'giver,' get involved in the appropriate community board or group and make it happen.
We hope those who take advantage of the treats available from the new concession stand will witness many, many years of the same enjoyment my grandma had for baseball and softball games in the summer.
The new concession stand will be dedicated on Tuesday, July 11, at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
